Ep 48: More Than Kills: The Complete Outside Hitter

Outside hitters are asked to do it all: pass, defend, lead, and take big swings—often when the play is out of system. In the Season 2 finale of Bump, Set, Mic, Brian and Chuck welcome back Sam Moyerman for a deep dive into one of volleyball's most demanding positions.

From what coaches look for in a young hitter to how the role changes with age and level, the conversation explores the skills, mindset, and adaptability it takes to succeed on the outside. Whether you're a player preparing for tryouts, a parent trying to understand a coach's decisions, or an athlete thinking about playing in college, this episode offers practical guidance on developing a more complete game—and finding the right fit as you progress.

Segment 1 – The Outside Hitter: Role, Responsibilities, and Evolution (0:00 – 25:34)

• Brian and Chuck introduce the Season 2 finale and returning guest Sam Moyerman, whose coaching experience spans club, high school, and college volleyball
• Chuck describes the outside hitter as the team's "workhorse": a frequent attacker who is also expected to pass, defend, and contribute from the back row
• Why outside hitters often get the most swings—including difficult, out-of-system balls—and why they need to be ready for another touch after passing
• How players may move between positions as they grow: younger athletes should learn the whole game rather than get attached to a position too early
• How the game's shift above the net can change opportunities for shorter outside hitters as players get older
• Why passing ability becomes increasingly important, and how outside hitters who can pass and attack may stay on the court for all six rotations
• The confidence and resilience coaches value: wanting the ball, accepting mistakes, recovering quickly, and leading through positive body language
• Why an outside hitter's influence goes beyond kills: they can steady a team, set its tone, and help teammates share the work and credit

Segment 2 – Evaluating and Developing Outside Hitters (26:25 – 58:39)

• What coaches notice when evaluating a hitter: size and athleticism, but also movement, transition footwork, response to teammates, and decision-making
• Height can help open doors at higher levels, but jumping ability, skill, and technique also matter; the coaches discuss how players may find opportunities across NCAA divisions
• Why young outside hitters should prioritize serve receive and passing—not just power hitting—and work on finishing the pass before transitioning to attack
• The importance of approach mechanics and avoiding a "goofy-footed" approach on the left side
• Building a varied hitting "toolbox": line and cross-court swings, rolls, tips, cut shots, and using the block
• Reading the defense and making the shot decision in the air, rather than deciding before the set arrives
• How outside hitters can contribute on imperfect sets by putting pressure on the other team, even when a kill isn't available
• Blocking as part of team defense: tracking the hitter, protecting the sideline, staying balanced, and using a soft block to keep the ball playable
• How coaches can develop aggression without recklessness, and why leadership means supporting teammates rather than blaming them
• Managing frustration and body language: take concerns to the coach at the right time, but stay engaged and composed on the court

Segment 3 – Tryouts, Playing Time, and the Road Ahead (59:25 – 1:24:43)

• What parents may miss when focusing only on kills: serve-receive performance, defensive positioning, transition, teamwork, and body language all affect a player's impact
• Why coaches may accept some attacking errors from an aggressive hitter—and why a player who avoids mistakes but doesn't put pressure on the opponent may not be as effective
• Tryout advice: show potential, athletici